Washington High School made quite a statement on the football field Friday night, November 8, at Eureka High School.

Playing in the Class 5 District 2 semifinals, the fourth-seeded Blue Jays handed top-seeded Eureka (9-1) its first loss and ended its season in the process, 14-13.

Washington (8-3) advances to the district championship game at Lafayette on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. The second-seeded Lancers (10-1) defeated third-seeded Rockwood Summit in the other district semifinal contest, 49-7.  

The Blue Jays won the game in dramatic fashion. Trailing 13-7 and facing fourth down late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Ryan Kassebaum lofted a long pass downfield and connected with Jacob Bina, who made the catch and broke free from a Eureka defender for a 63-yard touchdown with 1:45 left on the clock. Landen Kriete booted through the extra point to give the Blue Jays the lead.

Washington’s defense held the Wildcats from there for the victory.

Kassebaum and Bina accounted for Washington’s other touchdown on a 10-yard strike in the first quarter to make the score 7-0.

The score was tied 7-7 after one quarter and the Wildcats led 13-7 after three quarters.

Washington blocked Eureka’s extra point attempt in the third quarter, which turned out to be a huge play in the game.

Pictures from Washington’s victory at Eureka are below.